Cattle, Drovers, and Stock Traders: A Look at Early Western Markets with Dr. Debbie Liles

The discovery of gold in California sparked a booming demand for cattle, and Texas drovers were quick to answer the call. In the 1850s, stock traders drove millions of dollars’ worth of Texas cattle westward, navigating the challenges of natural resources, rugged terrain, and Indigenous territories along the way.

Join Dr. Deborah Liles, an expert in Texas agricultural and ranching history, as she explores the rise of these early cattle markets, their impact on Central Texas counties before and during the Civil War, and the legacy of legendary stock traders like Oliver Loving. From supplying the Bosque Redondo Reservation to the hardships faced on the trail, this presentation provides a compelling look at the cattle industry’s early expansion and its lasting impact on the West.